I am planning on getting into jerkbait fishing this spring. I recently just purchased several megabass 110s to try out. I would like to avoid buying a new dedicated jerkbait rod and repurpose something I currently own. The closest thing that seems to fit the bill is a castaway skelton v2 6'10 medium fast tops and tails model. 1/4 - 5/8. Id be throwing it on an chronarch mgl or met mgl. Is 30lb smackdown braid too much if I'm using an 6-8lb floro leader? 

19 minutes ago, michaelsrex said:

I am planning on getting into jerkbait fishing this spring. I recently just purchased several megabass 110s to try out. I would like to avoid buying a new dedicated jerkbait rod and repurpose something I currently own. The closest thing that seems to fit the bill is a castaway skelton v2 6'10 medium fast tops and tails model. 1/4 - 5/8. Id be throwing it on an chronarch mgl or met mgl. Is 30lb smackdown braid too much if I'm using an 6-8lb floro leader? 

Sounds fine.  I wouldn't use less than 30# Smackdown on a BC as it's very thin.

6 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

Sounds fine.  I wouldn't use less than 30# Smackdown on a BC as it's very thin.

Thank you

6 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

Sounds fine.  I wouldn't use less than 30# Smackdown on a BC as it's very thin.

Do you think I'd get longer distance casts with the 40-60lb smackdown over the 30? Why did you suggest not using less than 30? 

2 minutes ago, Ryan Michael said:

Thank you

Do you think I'd get longer distance casts with the 40-60lb smackdown over the 30? Why did you suggest not using less than 30? 

I mentioned it was very thin. Causes problems. 40 would be perfect IMO.

I think that rod will handle your jerkbaits just fine. I personally prefer 10lb co-polymer or fluoro rather than braid, but if your rod has enough flex to keep the treble hooks pinned with the braid, I say go for it.

The rod is fine. I don't use braid for jerkbaits. I use copoly.

Constantly jerking the slack out of braided line gives me wind knots.

Rod will be fine, I'm also not a fan of braid for jerkbaits. You can use 30lb just fine on a baitcaster if you want though, I use 20lb braid on a few baitcasters with no issues. 

22 hours ago, Russ E said:

Constantly jerking the slack out of braided line gives me wind knots.

   You too, huh? Try twitching spoons. It gets even worse.    ?    jj

Don Iovino Major Craft finesse bait casting rod is very popular for jerk baits.

Tom

I've been using a cheapie 6'6" M Sojourn with 8# Hybrid. It does well for me.

Rod should be fine.  No braid for me. I prefer #8 or #10 fluorocarbon.

The rod should be fine.  Do some research on the baits you want to fish.  Find out what line they were designed and tested with.

 

PS... use 10lb Sunline Super Natural...